Today, new doors opened for adults living with mental-health support needs at McCauley Lodge, with the addition of eight new residences in the newly constructed building.

Support services are offered to all residents which include three daily meals plus snacks, medication assistance and monitoring seven days a week. Depending on individual needs, residents also are a offered supports which can include assistance with laundry, clothing, personal hygiene, grooming, recreational activities and daily outings.

The new 30-unit building, an increase from 22 previously, features a commercial kitchen along with communal living and dining spaces for residents. The Capital Mental Health Association manages and operates the licensed care facility located at 1037 Lyall St. in Esquimalt.

The McCauley Lodge expansion is a partnership:

• The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, provided $10,000.
• The B.C. government arranged approximately $3.1 million in construction financing.
• The Capital Regional Hospital District committed $900,000.
• Island Health contributed $300,000, along with annual operational funding.
• United Way of Greater Victoria granted $154,000.
• Capital Mental Health Association contributed the land valued at $669,000 plus an additional $725,000 in equity.

Quotes:

Don McRae, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation —

“The Province is committed to partnership projects that increase access to housing solutions that meet the care needs for British Columbians living with mental health challenges.”

“All of the partners shared a common vision to address the housing and care needs of people living with mental-health challenges. This facility will make a real difference to the people who call the new McCauley Lodge home.”  

Mayor Barbara Desjardins, Township of Esquimalt -

“The Township of Esquimalt is pleased to celebrate the opening of the newly redeveloped McCauley Lodge today. McCauley Lodge has been an integral part of this community for many years and this renewal ensures that this facility will continue to be a part of Esquimalt for years to come. Thanks to all partners involved for making this new facility a reality.” 

Denise Blackwell, board chair, Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD)-

“On behalf of the Capital Regional Hospital District, I’d like to congratulate the Capital Mental Health Association on the official opening of McCauley Lodge. CRHD places a critical importance in investing in the health-care infrastructure in the Capital Region. We are proud to contribute $900,000 towards this facility, helping in partnership to create a healthier community for all.”

Joe Power, manager for Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Island Health -

“Our most important goal is to provide appropriate and respectful facilities for people who have serious mental illness and addictions. Our alliance with the Capital Mental Health Association and many other community service providers is a powerful engine that helps to make a difference in the lives of our clients.”

Darrion Campbell, president of the board, Capital Mental Health Association -

“Our organization believes in making a real difference in the lives of individuals living with mental illness.  At McCauley Lodge, our staff alongside Island Health, are pleased to deliver quality housing and onsite support services that create a healthier, more-vibrant environment to help our residents gain greater independence and foster mental health recovery.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $3.6 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 98,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.
• In 2012-13, the B.C. government invested over $804,000 to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for nearly 557 Esquimalt households.
• Operating since the 1970s, the Capital Mental Health Association is a non-profit society that offers psychosocial rehabilitation services to people who live with a mental illness. They provide services to more than 800 adults in the Capital Regional District living with mental-health challenges.

Learn More:

Information on the Community Partnership Initiative: www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Financing/CPI

To learn more about Capital Mental Health Association, visit: www.miravictoria.ca

Follow BC Housing on Twitter: @BC_Housing

Media Contacts:

Elaine McKay
BC Housing
778 452-6476